These Washington Nationals Will Compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic The 2026 World Baseball Classic is set to begin this week, with 20 teams vying for the global championship. The Washington Nationals will be represented by two players at the tournament, though neither will don the United States flag. The team’s roster for the event includes Harry Ford, who will compete for Great Britain, and Matt Mervis, who will represent Israel. Ford, the Nationals’ No. 3 prospect, joined the team from the Seattle Mariners and will make his second appearance in the World Baseball Classic. At 19 years old in 2023, he led his team in hits, home runs, and RBIs. This year, he will continue to showcase his skills on the international stage. Mervis, a 31-year-old addition to the Nationals, will participate in his second WBC. He previously played for Israel in 2023, recording just one hit in the tournament. Last season, he posted a .254 batting average with seven home runs and 14 RBIs in 42 games for the Miami Marlins. His inclusion in the Nationals’ lineup highlights his growing role within the organization. The tournament’s official start date is March 5, but the first game between Chinese Taipei and Australia will take place on March 4 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time due to the time difference with Tokyo. Team USA’s opening match against Brazil is scheduled for March 6 at 8 p.m. on FOX. Other Nationals connections include the team’s new manager, Blake Butera, who served as the bench coach for Italy’s 2023 WBC squad. His experience with the tournament adds depth to the team’s preparation for the 2026 event. The Nationals’ participation in the WBC underscores their commitment to developing international talent and leveraging their players’ expertise on the global stage.#world_baseball_classic #harry_ford #washington_nationals #matt_mervis #blake_butera
